The Houston Astros spent most of this week showing why they may be the team to beat in the American League this year.
Over the first few weeks of the season, we had been waiting for one team to truly seize control of the MLB power rankings. We had been waiting for one team to announce that they were the team to beat, not only in their division, but in the game as a whole. For a time, that seemed to be the Tampa Bay Rays, who were able to jump out to a strong start in the AL East.
Yet, they were not quite the dominant force they seemed. The Yankees, despite a plethora of injuries, were still lurking. The Astros had a slow start, as did the Red Sox, but were able to claw their way back into the picture. The NL has been a muddled mess, with most teams aiming to contend this season.
Now, eight weeks into the season, a team may have finally emerged from the pack. The Houston Astros, who may be in the final season of their current window of opportunity being open, have begun to pull away from the pack. Their ten game winning streak may be over, but they served notice that they will be a force to be reckoned with come October.
How did this past week shake up our MLB power rankings? Let’s find out.